Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test which uses sound waves to create high resolution images of your internal organs. Ultrasound uses NO radiation. The ultrasound machine is a relatively small, mobile, bedside device with a probe held against your skin. Warm gel is used to transmit sound wave between the probe and your body. You will be asked to lie on a padded stretcher, and may be asked to roll on your side to improve the quality of the images. The sonographer may also use gentle probe pressure; let her know if you feel discomfort or if you feel anything unusual.

Ultrasound can be used to evaluate numerous organs, including liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, aorta, thyroid, scrotum, uterus, ovaries, and veins. Because sound waves have a hard time traveling through air/gas, we try to minimize bowel contents that may interfere with the images. As such, patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound will be asked to fast for 8 hours prior to the exam. During some types of vascular ultrasound, you may hear a whooshing sound - this is normal. If we are evaluating your urinary bladder, uterus, or ovaries, you will be asked to arrive with a full bladder - this helps us better visualize your pelvic organs. If you are an adult woman having an ultrasound of your uterus/ovaries, the technologist may ask to use a special, covered endovaginal probe to obtain high resolution images; the thin probe is gently inserted into the vaginal canal. This is not a requirement, but does help provide more high resolution diagnostic images to the radiologist.

Once the images have been obtained, they will be sent electronically to the radiologist, who will interpret the exam and generate a report for your doctor. You should follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to receive the results of your ultrasound.

We try in every way to make your imaging exam pleasant! As always, please let us know what we can do to improve your experience.